The plan for my 71 malibu BobKnake Havana, IL

[BobKnake]

Last year, I bought one of the last cars on my bucket list... Always have wanted a 70-72 Chevelle. Kind of hard for me to actually buy one, because I grew up in a FORD family. But I found a 71 Malibu 350/350 AC/PS/PB
It's pretty solid, especially for mid western car (IL)... only rust I've found is over rear wheels... It's about as boring at it comes... Sandlewood in and out with a horrible respray of red....
It came with no front clip, motor or tranny, and an incomplete interior (bench), as well as 99% disassembled.


So that being said...
Here is MY PLAN...
396/402 (which I already have - 1968)
4 speed (which I already have - 1968)
12 BOLT (came with car)
Cowl Induction Hood (came with car)

I want to make it my own car. I really have NO intention of making an SS clone, but a lot of the things I want - direct the car to just that.
I've been to several shows and see cars that are not SS's and people are all so quick to point it out (most of them that bitch couldn't afford a plan Chevelle let alone a true SS).

So back to the plan....
-Disc Brakes
-bucket seats
-center console
-SS stripes (no rocker moldings)
-either 71 SS type rims or aftermarket rims (still up in the air about that part)
-Color... Shadow Gray 932 - '70 color (black interior)
-speed-o (w/tach added)


I do not want SS anywhere on the car.
I'm considering either going basically badge-less, or possibly going with Malibu & 400 on fenders.

I may reconsider the dash at some point, but I've always been partial to the sweep speed-o. Probably the only person that likes that...

Over the past several months... I have gone around with what I do and don't want, I always figured it would be easy to decide. But It's been a P.I.T.A. I guess it's because I have basically a CLEAN SLATE. It is not what I consider a desirable car in stock form, and it's far from rare. That's why I'm doing what I want to it.
I have sat down and put $$$ to what I want to do... I'm fully aware that when complete, it'll have cost double of what it's worth, but it'll be mine. And in the infamous words of Frank Sinatra.... "I DID IT MY WAY" https://www.google.com/search?q=i+di...utf-8&oe=utf-8

I have a plan of completion in 4-5 years... I don't want to rush. If I go slow... it won't impact the family budget as if I went ALL-IN. I've got family support, I have a dream and a Vision.

I'm open to incite, opinions and even some criticism.

[shadowgray396]

I know for 70 the paint code is 17 for a shadowgray Chevelle. Just checked and 932 is also correct. My color is that on my car from the factory, but went with the pearl white interior to give a different look. Took me 7 years to build mine. I got mine totally torn apart and no running gear. You will need deep pockets to build it and a lot of patients. Good luck on your build.

[BobKnake]

Sweet looking ride
Like the white interior...

[carpoor]

My father started on my 72' in 2006 shortly after buying it. Health issues sidelined the project. I inherited the car in 2007, but had too many irons in the fire - so it mostly sat. I've been working on it off and on since April of 2011.

Don't get discouraged and by all means take a break from it whenever you get overwhelmed or feel burnt out.

[Quadracer392]

Sounds like you know what you're wanting. I am doing the same thing that you are, taking a Malibu and making it the car I've always wanted. I've taken mine down to the bare frame and started from the ground up but I've also had a lot of sheetmetal to replace. Have a lot of patience and do it how YOU want it and there will be no better feeling than knowing what you have accomplished. I'm not even finished with mine but I've very proud of what I have accomplished so far, having never done this before. If you need anything we'll help ya that best we can.

[RogerD]

Build it the way you want and DRIVE it

[chevymaher]

Do what you want. You will find most people don't care. Mine is a clone of sorts. I am even using wrong year emblems because that is what i want. I am using non air floor vents in a air conditioned car. I got stripes the cardinal sin on a car that didn't come with them. I am basically using what I like from all Years on it . I am going to use a flat faced touch screen stereo.

I point out mine is a Malibu to everyone who I show it to. . And run the drag you mentioned about SS's and the pettiness involved with doing that. Reaction I get is universal F<<K them they are jealous. Mine is becoming show car quality but will never see a show because of the jerks like that who ruin the hobby. I will just enjoy my car and drive it around. The car is about what I want. I like. They can build their own.

All these cars have more in them than they are worth. And if you are doing it for money or perceived value. Then your in it for the wrong reason. Only one reason to own and maintain cars like this. Because you want to. Nobody else's opinion matters. If they want to look and enjoy it fine. If they run their mouth. Tell them in no uncertain terms how fast they better run.

I got other vehicles that are the same way. Paint. Engines. Stereos. More in them than they worth. And I love driving them and would never throw the towel in on them either. My mom has pointed out several times over the years. I could be driving a new corvette for what I spend on my cars. But I like old bombers.

A car is a extension of your personality. Are you one of the sheep who follows and does what the pack does. Looking over your shoulder worried about what they saying? Or are you dare to be different and make your own path in life. Devil may care do as you please.

I have found this site is above and beyond the rest. Do as you please. If you like it the rest on the site just enjoy it with you. No but that isn't factory. Or where are your numbers. Everybody here I have seen have little things different on their cars. Saying I keep hearing it "Making it yours."

[shadowgray396]

I agree build it the way you want it and enjoy it. If I had to do it over I would have built mine differently. Who know I may still get a chance to build another one some day. Most likely will be an elcamino for me.

[flash]

My El Camino is completely stock and I love it but the Malibu vert we did the way my wife wanted it built and it is the most fun classic car we have .My 72 truck is the same ,built my way exactly how I wanted it and it will be fun more fun once I get the heater worked out . I like looking at them all but I really prefer a modified car to suit my taste ,besides a # car can get crazy expensive .

[hkalin]

I rather have my car have Malibu emblems on it than to have SS emblems on it when it's really not. My car is made the way I want it and that's all that matters to me.